Kevin and I met up with the rest of the Podcast Crew; Pete, Corey, Julie and Bob, for breakfast at Chef Mickey’s in the Contemporary Resort this morning. Our ADR was for 7:00AM – yes, I said 7:00AM – which meant getting up at 5:00AM to get some work done and be there on time. Needless to say we were not a pretty picture.

We had a good time and I’m sure that Pete will tell more about it in his blog. I also know we will discuss it in depth on the next podcast so I will not go into any details about it here.

The reason for this blog entry is that Kevin and I found out some information on some changes coming to the Contemporary. If you’re anything like us, you’re not going to be happy with what they have planned.

We pulled in through the main security gate and looked to see what parking was like before we pulled up to the valet stand. We like to see how bad parking looks before we decide to valet or not. We usually choose to valet since it is free with the Disney Dining Experience card.

Anyway, we noticed that the handicap and short term/check-in parking area had all orange parking cones blocking off the parking spots…and no cars were in there at all.

When we gave the valet our information to take our car we asked about what was going to happen to those spots and she explained that with then new DVC Kingdom Tower being built they are going to need a lot of additional parking. In order to accommodate all of those cars they are going to make a lot of changes to the current parking area and the area right in front of the Contemporary. She explained that they will be removing the walkway in the front of the Contemporary. The entire area with the cobblestone path, planters and the ‘lollipop’ trees (as we have come to call them) will be taken out to make room for more parking.

Just thinking about this makes me sad. These unusually shaped trees (that look like giant push-up pops from when I was a kid) with the twinkling lights are iconic “old Disney’ for me. To think they will be removed for parking is a tragedy in my opinion.

Why couldn’t they build a parking structure on the site of the existing parking area instead? Or how about some forethought and build a parking garage on the first few floors of the Kingdom Towers? Afterall it’s pretty obvious that the first 5 floors or so aren’t going to have any great views….unless you want to stare at the monorail.

So, say goodbye to the twinkling lollipop trees outside of the Contemporary Resort!!

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MickeyFan

I to believe this is a sad day in Disney history. I remember looking out as I waited for the monorail and noticing how perfect the trees are. I am however glad that I don’t have to manicure them. Why can’t they build the parking lot across the road by the lake?

Ms. Belle

My son and I love the twinkling trees. I can’t believe they are going to get rid of them. I’m so sad. We love to drive up to the Contemporary and see the trees. They bring back the best memories.